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Stolen birds

Scores of birds were stolen or killed in the attack Photo: ITV Central

A pensioner from Derby has been left devastated after a thief broke into an aviary in his garden and stole scores of birds. Several others were killed in the attack.

It happened as John Brennan was watching television at his home in Spondon. He wasn't aware of the break-in until he went out the next morning and found the aviary fence damaged, nearly half his 180-strong collection of canaries and finches gone, and around twelve dead birds strewn on the ground.

John Brennan was left devastated after his birds were stolen Credit: ITV Central

The attack, which lasted around 15 minutes, was caught on a CCTV camera inside the aviary. It shows the thief breaking in with wire cutters then catching birds in a net and stuffing them into his pocket.

Mr Brennan, who's retired, says he's disgusted, particularly as he had taken measures to protect his home from intruders. His garden is surrounded by high fencing and barbed wire, and there are four CCTV cameras trained on his property. He is now considering what more he can do to improve security.

Derbyshire Police say they are investigating the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call the force on 101 or Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555 111.